Dovizioso admits Bridgestone superior

The JiR Scot Honda rider, who had qualified a MotoGP career-best fourth, ran second in the opening laps but fell behind the Bridgestone riders as the race progressed.

Although he hung on to fifth place and was the leading Michelin finisher, he was over 40 seconds adrift of winner Casey Stoner.

"I started well, and I could fight with Stoner. However I don't know if I could have managed to run in the 1:32-1:33s as he did for the entire race," Dovizioso told Italia1 television.

"We didn't have grip, we couldn't lean so much, because when we got to a certain angle I would lose grip.

"The situation didn't improve and it was really difficult to finish the race, because it was very easy to crash. In fact, (Colin) Edwards and I were pushing each other, but unfortunately he made a mistake. It was really tough today, but I'm the top Michelin finisher today so it's okay."

Dovizioso felt that Michelin's Sachsenring difficulties were an exception rather than the start of a trend.

"Unfortunately tyres have become fundamental, but I'm very happy with the work we're doing with Michelin, they listen to us a lot and we've made improvements," he said.

"I think we'll keep doing as many during the rest of the season. I'm happy with Michelin: today Bridgestone went better, but there have been track where Michelin was better."